Wireless Keyboard & Mouse

Hello, I have a few questions about a wireless keyboard & mouse (K & M). I know that this subject doesnt really fit into networking but it fits into the wireless setup.

1. How hard is it to set up a K & M to a computer (Dell) that does not have a wireless set up? Is there something that comes with the K & M that allows them to be wireless with a non wireless computer?

2. Does anyone own a wireless K & M and can tell me what brands to look for and what brands to stay away from?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

Couple of choices - wireless (RF) or Bluetooth. Your Laptop may have integrated Bluetooth a nice feature to have nothing sticking out of the Laptop. If not then either one will come with a "receiver" - a dongle (plugs into existing USB port) that will come with the purchase.

Set up should be simple ,usaully a quick start guide is provided.

As for Brands my two favorites are Logitech and Microsoft. I don't use wireless keyboard - but I do use a Microsoft wireless mouse (it is Big / I have Big Hands / I like Big things haha)

 

FBman, many radio freq. keyboard/mouse combos come with a base that is hooked up by usb to the computer. Both the keyboard and mouse communicate with the base, so you don't have to buy another dongle/base. Logitech and Microsoft seem to have the best keyboard/mouse combos on the market. For me, I have the Logitech LX 700 keyboard/mouse combo. Works great with my setup. ( http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/productlist/US/EN,crid=2156,categoryid=418).
Here are the rf logitech keyboards. Other than the radio freq keyboard/mouse combo, you can go for a bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo. If you have internal bluetooth, you could possibly go that route. The only thing is that you wouldn't have a base that the devices would talk to because they are talking to the bluetooth module in your computer. ( http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/productlist/US/EN,crid=2155,categoryid=417). Here are the Logitech bluetooth keyboard/mouse combos. I hope this helps.

Edit: Daacon beat me to it!!! lol

 

Thank you both for the quick replies. I have been on Compusa.com and have looked for them. I don't have bluetooth so ill have to buy a RF one...my question is can they receive signals throught objects like a desk and do i always have to have the keyboard and mouse in few of the reciever?

P.S. I really enjoy this site so keep it up.

 

The signal will go through the desk. I usually have my keyboard 10 feet from the base because I use my tv as my computer screen. Signal with logitech isn't an issue.

 

Looks like ccbr01 beat me on this one by a longshot. You can still get Bluetooth - it will come with a BlueTooth dongle (receiver) that will go through a desk as well (my Microsoft mouse if BT and it came with a dongle - I just don't use it) . Range is pretty good - 15 - 20 ft I would say (for BT).

So get the one you like RF or BT and enjoy

 

I recently got the microsoft wireless desktop6000 which is a wireless keyboard and mouse set. It connects into a USB port. So far is has been great. The setup is super easy. My keyboard and mouse is about 4 feet from the receiver. I would guess the range is about 8-10 feet. I did have to play with the placement of the receiver though, with the receiver lower and below a desk, the mouse did not function as well as it does now. I chose the microsoft over the logitech because a local store had a great price on it. Do choose carefully as some units have been reviewed very well and others poorly. Hope this helps